As I boarded the plane, it became immediately clear something was amiss our seats were already occupied.
My wife and I had planned a little getaway to visit some relatives in London. Wed bought two tickets, specifically selecting a window seat so we could gaze wistfully at the clouds while pretending to be in a travel advert.
Planes on this route have three seats in each row. Like any seasoned flyer, Id dutifully picked our seats, ensuring wed be next to each other, with a lovely window seat to fight over.
Yet, when we finally squeezed down the aisle, there they were: a woman perched resolutely on my seat, her little boy positively glued to the window in the spot my wife had booked. Thinking shed perhaps just muddled her numbers, I politely checked my ticket. All correct, of course.
Youre sitting in our seats, I said, as cheerily as one can when someones pinched your spot.
No response. My wife, who can project across a football field, repeated it. The woman finally turned around, expression blank. My son wanted the window. First come, first served, I say. Were not moving. The middle rows empty take those.
Sorry, but I paid for these seats, I insisted, trying my best imitation of polite British firmness. If you wouldnt mind moving, theres no need for drama.
She waved a hand at her child. Cant you see hes excited? If I move him, hell have a meltdown. Havent you got kids? Youre all adults, arent you?
Deciding neither of us fancied a full-blown soap opera at cruising altitude, we summoned a steward. Only after he intervened did the woman reluctantly move, glaring at us like wed just cancelled Christmas.
Really, if a window seat was so desperately desired, why not book ahead? Hardly rocket science more penny-pinching than parenting.
Thankfully, the steward was a model of efficiency, so the whole palaver was over quickly. The passengers nearby gave me a nod of silent solidarity. After all, I did everything by the book. No theatrics, just calm British resolve.
What I still cant fathom is why parents sometimes act like travelling with a small human automatically upgrades them to VIP status. Weve got children too, you know. Its never occurred to us to hijack someones seat or jump the queue on pure toddler power.
In the end, the rest of the flight passed without further incident, and I sincerely hope the woman learns to pre-book her precious window seats next time and lets the rest of us fly in peace.
